READERS have been given longer to lodge their bids for once-in-a-lifetime treats in The Press' Afghanistan appeal auction.

Bids have been coming in for lots ranging from a chance to ride on the footplate of a steam loco on the North York Moors to the chance to attend a Royal Salute in York as a VIP guest.

But we want to ensure everyone has had plenty of opportunity to bid - and the maximum possible amount of money is raised for the City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal - and so have extended the deadline.

People now have until noon next Tuesday to bid for a VIP day for two at York City's home match against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, April 12, which includes meeting the players and manager before the match and being presented with a signed York City ball at full time.

The deadline for the other treats has been extended from this Friday to noon on Friday April 25.

They include helping to prepare and ride on a heritage steam locomotive at the National Railway Museum, ringing the 10 ¾ tonne noontime bell at York Minster before a tour for up to 10 people and riding to the Mansion House in a chauffeur driven limousine before a tour and afternoon tea with the Lord Mayor.

To bid, call Mike Laycock on 01904 567132 or email afghanappealauction@thepress.co.uk.